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>i. 


The Christmas Spirit 

A Poetic Fantasy in Two Acts 

by 

Franz and Lillian Rickaby 

A 


Published by 

The Normanden Publishing Company 
Grand Forks, North Dakota. 




c,* 


To the Public: 

The price of this text is sixty cents. 

The royalty for production by amateurs is twelve dollars, pay- 
able in advance. This amount secures for the producers the right 
to present the play, ten copies of the text (enough for the principal 
speaking parts and the coach), and three copies of the supplementary 
pamphlet containing instructions and suggestions for costuming and 
staging, and the incidental music called for. 

For special permission covering professional production, public 
reading, inclusion in anthologies or collections, apply to the authors. 


The Christmas Spirit 
Copyrighted 1921 
by 

Franz Rickaby 


DEC -1 '2i© Ci.D 59234 


l 





FOREWORD 


This Christmas Fantasy is in all ways a product of the dramatic 
laboratory of the University of North Dakota. It was written in 
the fall of 1917 as work in the University course in Dramatic Com¬ 
position, at that time under the guidance of Professor Frederick H. 
Koch. The Dakota Playmakers of the University, an organization 
warmly devoted to native material and art, presented the play as 
their Christmas program that year, giving one production of it on 
their Play-Stage at the University, and another at the Metropolitan 
Theatre in Grand Forks. In response to a considerable request, the 
Society presented it again in Grand Forks at Christmas time, 1919. 

Below is the cast of characters for the play as originally pro¬ 
duced : 


Old Silence.Mr. J. A. Taylor 

Moonmother.Miss Jean Taylor 

The Moonbeams: 

Silver.Miss Agnes O’Connor 

Crystal.•.Miss Rilla Woods 

Nimble.Miss Glenna Garvin 

Flicker.Miss Marjorie Cook 

Bright.- r . . .Miss Marian Torgerson 

Sparkle. Miss Lila Warnkin 

Perk.Miss Vera Disbrow 

The Herald.Mr. Clarence Robbins 

Rumble.Mr. Harold Wylie 

His Sons: 

Swift.Mr. Harold Shaft 

Cloud.Mr. James A. Rosoff 

Flame.Mr. George Crain 

Evening Star (Princess Golden).Miss Emily Squires 

Morning Star (Princess Brilliant) . .. .Miss Harriet Mills 

The Light-King.•. .Mr. Melvin Petterson 

The Little Stars.Alden Squires, Robert 

Young, Jack Lewis, Jack Woolsey, Roger Becker, 
John Hosig, Helen Ry?m, Margaret Webster, Anna 
Lou Hazlett, Dorothy Solon, Lois Budge, Camilla 
Redick. 

The King’s Train-bearer.Vernon Squires 


— 3 -r 



















The Christmas Spirit 


CHARACTERS 


Moonbeams. 


Old Silence , the aged watchman on the Moon. 
Moonmotlner, the mother of the Moonbeams. 
Silver 
Crystal 
Nimble 
Sparkle 
Flicker 
Bright 

Perk , a mischievous Moon-brownie. 

The Herald , the Light-King’s messenger. 

Old Rumble } the Storm-King. 

Cloud \ 

Swift v Old Rumble’s sons. 

Flame ) 

Winkle 
Twinkle 


Star-elves. 


Princess Golden (later Evening Star). 

Princess Brilliant (later Morning Star). 

The Star-children (twelve in number; not named). 
The Light-King. 

The King's Train-bearer. 

The Splendid Stranger. 


Synopsis 

Act I— Scene: The Moon; the Moonbeam’s home. 
Time: Almost 2000 years ago; sunset. 


Act II— Scene: The Sun-Palace of the Light-King; the throne-room. 
Time: Immediately following that of Act I. 


— 4 — 



The Christmas Spirit 


THE PROLOG 

As the theater darkens, there come sounds of chimes, far , far 
off. Then the sound of women s voices singing, sweetly, softly, 
as though in the distance, ( ‘Silent Night, Holy Night ." Then 
suddenly, before the curtain, appears the Christmas Spirit, a 
small fairy-like creature, shining as the sun-light, who speaks 
smilingly: 

Dear children, young and old, 

The season of the gift has come again, 

The time of peace and good will among men, 

When steepled bells ring out their happy songs 
And loving kindness to the world belongs. 

Have you not wondered, as you thought of this, 

What caused these tides of happiness and bliss, 

And why the Yuletide is so deeply blessed, 

Richest of all times, so different from the rest? 

It is the Christmas Spirit who is near, 

A kind of fairy bringer of good cheer, 

Who visits now the hearts of young and old, 

And brings them riches more valuable than gold. 
(Moving forward; confidentially.) 

Kind friends, I am the Christmas Spirit. 

I came to set the human heart aglow. 

But my name 

Was Silver when the first glad Christmas came 
Upon the Earth so many years ago. 

Many Christmas facts you, friends, already know: 

You know the story of the crowded Inn; 

You know the story of the shepherds on 
The hills of Palestine, and how, ere dawn, 

The night was filled with light, the air with song, 

And the heavens peopled with an angel throng. 

You know the story of the Christmas Star, 

And how the Wise Men traveled from afar 
To worship where the Baby Jesus lay 
In Bethlehem town at break of Christmas day. 

But I and certain others know far more 
Of Christmas than has e’er been told before. 


— 5 — 



It is a lovely story—one that you 

Have never heard, could hardly think were true 

Were someone else to tell it to you new. 

I remember well that long ago. 

I saw the skies that night, the earth below; 

I saw the shepherds as they watched their sheep 
While sad old Earth was fast asleep. 

And I remember how we Moonbeams went 
To Earth that night, wherever we were sent; 

And how the Light-King had us summoned back 
To come before his throne; and how, alack! 

I was so late that Rumble, the Storm-King, came 
With his three mean sons, Swift, Cloud, and Flame. 
Flame held a light; Swift knocked me down; 

Cloud got me wet; and with his roar and frown 
Old Rumble almost frightened me to death. 

But I at last got home, quite out of breath. 

And then—but if I’d have you stay 
I must not tell you all about our play 
Before it starts. 


And once again I add, 

This story is for child-like hearts and glad. 

To listen, then, and see you may remain 
If you will come and live with us again; 

If you’ll forget the things that grown-ups do 
And just be children for an hour or two. 

ACT ONE 

It is dark once more, and still. We have the feeling that we 
are going back, back, back through hundreds of years, a thou¬ 
sand years, almost two thousand years. We seem almost to 
dream. Then gradually in the silence and the darkness we see 
a strange scene: on the Moon, the home of the Moonbeams. 
There are some large mossy boulders lying about here and there, 
and the place is filled with a deep red glow, for it is the time 
we call sunset. 

At the left sits the figure of an old man, Old Silence, the: 
aged watchman, on a boulder, leaning forward on his long staff 
and gazing out into space toward the sunset. The deep red 
light begins to fade and the place is gradually filled with the 
beautiful blue moonlight. 

Suddenly there is a stir behind one of the boulders, and a little 
fairy-like figure, little Silver, half rises and looks about as 
though determining the time of day, stands up, then turns and 


— 6 — 


runs lightly to the side of Old Silence and kneels there. He 
puts his arm about her and together they gaze out into the fad¬ 
ing sunset. 

While they are there, Moonmother comes silently in at the 
other side. As she commences to speak , Old Silence slowly 
rises and goes out toward the siiWset , leaving little SILVER look¬ 
ing after him, still kneeling. 

Mother: 

’Tis night again. I must my children call. 

Sunset has vanished. They must one and all 
Go down to Earth and glorify its night.— 

Silence, the aged watchman, leaves us now 

As all the earthly living creatures bow 

Their heads to slumber, and the day takes flight.— 

(Goes swiftly and calls behind several of the boulders.) 
Awake, my Sparkle! Oh, awake! Awake! 

For you must play on pond and lake.— 

Awake, my Crystal, Moonbeam small and fair! 

For you shall whisper to the calm night air.— 

Nimble! Nimble! You told the fairy queen 
That you’d return when Evening came again.— 

Flicker! What? Make bright those lovely eyes! 

You cannot sleep forever, child. Arise!— 

Bright! Bright! It’s late. Make haste then all the more. 
Come, you must shine. That’s what the night is for.— 

O pretty Silver, your sisters will be gone 

And leave you here. Come* sleep again at dawn! 

(She finds that Silver is not in her place.) 

Ah! Silver up again before I call! 

So was she up last night before them all; 

And as I find her now, so found her then— 

There, musing, where Old Silence watches when 
The Moonbeams are asleep.—I’ll call again. 

(Goes softly towards Silver.,) 

My Silver-beam, what is there in the west 
That you should sit and gaze, while all the rest 
Are waking to begin their work and play? 

Silver: 

Moonmother dear, 

I love to sit with Silence here 

And watch the sunset as the night draws near. 

He brings me gifts from many a distant star; 

And, sitting by his side, I see so far 

It almost frightens me. And lately I have felt 

So strange in here, ( puts her hand to her heart) 

as though my heart would melt 

- 7 — 


And I be someone else. When day has flown 
And Silence leaves me sitting here alone, 

I seem to hear sweet music flowing down 
Around me, and a voice that keeps repeating, 

“Love is greater than a prince’s crown, 

Love is greater than a crown.” 

And I often wonder what it means— 

I wonder—and it seems— 

Mother: 

(With loving concern) —What, Silver dear, 

Are you not happy in your Moon-home here ? 

Silver: 

Oh (happily) Of course! I am!—Why, Mother, see, 

Our sister Nimble’s fast asleep. 

(Other Moonbeams are awaking one by one, and are sit¬ 
ting, each on her own boulder, rubbing eyes and stretching , 
very much like earthly children. Nimble awaking slowly , 
speaks very drowsily at first, but brightens up soon.) 

Nimble: 

Moonmother dear, I—I—I am afraid 

Too long I stayed on Earth today and played 
When all my sisters had come home.—But then 
I must awake and go to play again! 

Mother: 

Indeed you must!—Now, Moonbeam children mine, 

Go wash your little faces till they shine 
There in the sparkling brook, each one of you. 

And as you wash, be sure you make the dew. 

Sparkle: 

Oh, yes—the dew! Let’s quickly wash! 

(At this all six Moonbeams run to where a little stream 
flows beside a huge boulder and wash, actually splashing. 
They flick the water-drops off their fingers over the edge 
of the Moon, and laugh and talk as they watch the dew as 
it falls down, down to the earth below.) 

Bright: 

Oh my! 

I had forgotten that! 


Crystal : 
And so had I! 


Flicker: 

1 like the dew. I like to see it fall. 

See! This is resting on the grasses tall. 

Bright: 

I like to see it glisten on the grass.— 

Oh, there! I’ve wet my moonlight dress, alas! 

(She wrings out the wet place in her skirt. Meanwhile 
Nimble, her fingers dripping with water from the spring , 
has run to the other side and is sprinkling dew over that 
edge.) 

Nimble: 

I like this best. For drops here tossed 
Leave here as dew, but reach the earth as frost. 

See, Mother dear! The dead grey land is white. 

Is frost not beautiful falling through the night? 

And is it not most strange how it can be 
That over there on grass and shrub and tree 
We see the dew, while on the Earth down here 
We see the sparkling frost? 

(She points out the different places as she speaks.) 

Mother: 

Yes, Nimble dear. 

When dew falls through the cold, it turns all white.— 
Earth-children call it “freezing.” Dew-drops bright, 

We find, do glisten where the world is warm. 

Here, where ’tis cold, the frost in crystal form 
Falls down; but over there, where sister looks, 

(Pointing to where Flicker is) 

It falls as dew, as clear— 

^Silver, who has gone to sprinkle the dew over another 
part, has suddenly paused, going intently toward the Earth. 
She finally exclaims, interrupting Moonmother,) 

Silver: 

Why, what is that? A thirsty field! 

Poor little flowers! How often have I kneeled 
Among their fragrant leaves! They’re wilted now 
Because they are so parched and dry.—I vow 
I will not let them die! Give me a spray 
Of Moon-flower vine, and let me now repay 
Them for the fragrant hours they gave me. 

(She plucks a spray of the vine growing beside her , runs 
and dips it in the stream, then sprinkles it out over the edge 
vigorously. She does this two more tunes, while the other 
Moonbeams crowd about the place and watch, remarking 
and sympathizing.) 


— 9 - 


Bright : 


See! 

How glad the flowers are! They drink the dew 
And are refreshed. 

Sparkle: 

Yes; they shall smile anew 
When next they greet the sun. 

Silver: 

(Returning from her third trip) Do they revive?— 

How good it is to see them still alive! 

How blind I was not to have seen their thirst 
Before I did! I did not see at first.— 

See how they bend beneath the crystal weight 
Of dew-drops!—I might have been too late! 

Flicker: 

(To Bright ) It’s always Silver who is finding things like this 
To do. We see the happiness and bliss; 

But she sees suffering. 


Bright: 

I’m sure there’s much 

That we can do. Let’s get some dew and touch 

Some sufferer as Silver-beam has done. 

(The five Moonbeams turn and go towards the spring, but 
Silver remains looking at her field, musing and smiling, 
while Moonmother watches beside her. But just as the 
Moonbeams are dipping into the spring, Perk leaps up 
from behind the boulder to the top of it shouting “Hi!” 
and stands up there with his arms akimbo. The sisters cry 
out and run back in fear, and Silver and Moonmother 
turn suddenly to see. Perk holds his sides and laughs 
heartily.) 

Perk: 

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! 

Are you frightened? Well—my name is Perk. 

I move with a jump and stop with a jerk. 

See? 

(He jumps so as to land exactly on the word “jerk.” The 
frightened sisters retreat toward their mother and scold 
him heartily.) 

Crystal : 

Oh Perk, you needn’t tell us who you are! 

We’d know your face and foolishness afar. 


— 10 — 


Nimble: 

We’d know you from afar. And I should say 
Td much prefer to know you just that way! 

Perk: 

You act as though I’d covered you with dirt.— 

O Silver, come and tell them they’re not hurt! 

Silver: 

Well, truth to say, I see no broken bones, 

And nothing that need keep old Mistress Jones 
From having moonlight through her window shine. 

I’m sure the Moonbeams shouldn’t scold and whine. 

There! Run to Mother. She will smoothe you out. 

^Silver comes up, inspecting the injured sisters as she passes 
them, and speaks laughingly. The sisters go pouting to 
their Mother who smoothes out their dresses. Silver sits 
on a boulder near her and calls Perk.,) 

Silver: 

Perk, come here.—You see, my sisters pout? 

Perk: 

(As he comes.) See it? I should say I do. 

(He seats himself on the ground beside Silver's boulder, 
very affectionately, and quiets down considerably.) 

Silver: 

How dare 

You plague them so? You know I shouldn’t care 
If you’d play jokes on me. But they can’t bear 
Your liveliness. Why don’t you jump at me 
Sometimes ? Why, Perk ? 

Perk: 

Well, Silver-beam, you see 
I just don’t feel like playing jokes on you. 

You scream, and make believe that you’re afraid; 

But I can tell you are not. And when I’ve played 
Some old mean trick, and you pretend you’re scared, 

I feel ashamed, and wish I hadn’t dared. 

I—feel I’ve misbehaved, and—that I should— 

Oh, well—you make a fellow wish that he was good.—- 
(His mischief returns.) 

But Silver-beam, those sisters are the fun! 

They scare so good! My, how they yell and run!— 

And Silver, you don’t care? I give my word 


— 11 — 


I’ll hurt no one. You know you’ve never heard 
Of any harm I’ve done. 

Silver: 

No, Perk, I never have. 

Perk: 

(Leaping up and dancing about.) Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! 
Sparkle : 

Now what? Has he been scaring Silver, too? 

(^Sparkle runs to Silver, but takes care to keep a good dis ¬ 
tance between her and Perk as she goes. She throws her 
arms around SilverJ 

But Silver, guess what we are going to do! 

We’re going to practise our dance once more,— 

The new one,—remember? 

(She goes through a step or two of the dance.) 

—just once before 

We go to Earth. Moonmother said we might. 

She would not say at first. She thought the night 
Was wearing on, and that we should not wait; 

Then she remembered that the Moon rose late. 

And so—we have our dance. Come, sister, come! 

Silver: 

The dance! The Moonbeam dance! Come, sisters, come! 

(Hand in hand they run and join the rest , and all get 
quickly in place for the dance as very light , soft music com¬ 
mences. They dance , Moonmother looking on proudly , 
and Perk, perched on a boulder , keeping time to the music 
by waving his hands and nodding his head. When the dance 
ends , Moonmother applauds them softly.) 

Mother: 

It’s beautiful, my own!—But now to work! To play! 

The fairies wait. But ere the break of day 
Be home in safety. And at play and work 
Be diligent.—I’ll guard your playmate, Perk! 

(She says this last laughingly as she puts her arm about 
Perk. The Moonbeams look over the edge in different 
places.) 

Nimble: 

Farewell, sisters mine! I see the fairies. 


— 12 - 


1 see the blue lake! 


Sparkle: 


Bright: 

And I shall shine! 

That’s what the night is for. 

Crystal : 

I’ll whisper to 

The still night air. 

Flicker: 

And I shall too! 

Silver: 

Ah, I shall first my thirsty flowers see, 

And hear their fragrant whispered thanks to me. 

(As they dance out , Nimble, in trying to pass Crystal. 
tears Crystal's veil.) 

Crystal : 

(Stopping angrily) 

Now see what you have done! You’ve torn my veil. 

(All stop and turn back.) 

Flicker: 

What’s happened ? Why does Crystal weep and wail ? 

Crystal : 

(Angrily) Yes, why? Just see what hasty Nimble’s done! 

This veil was woven in the Palace of the Sun, 

And Princess Brilliant got it just for me. 

But now it’s torn, and it can never be 
Replaced or mended.—Why must Nimble run 
To meet those fairies? That is costly fun. 

Nimble: 

Oh, Crystal, I am sorry! 

Mother: 

(Examining the torn veil.) Let me see— 

I have some sunshine veiling, that will be 
A perfect match; and I can surely mend 
The tear so neatly, make the stitches blend 
So closely that the patch will be unseen. 

Crystal : 

The patch! What Moonbeam likes to have a patch? 


— 13 — 


Sparkle: 

But Crystal, let it go tonight. I’ll snatch 
Some silver sheen that wavers over the lake 
And bring it back to you. 

Bright: 

And I will take— 

Crystal : 

How does all of that this gift replace ? 

I will not go to Earth, not show my face 
With a great big ugly patch here in my veil! 

^Silver has untied her own lovely veil and taken it off , 
and now comes forward with it in her hands.) 


Silver: 

Old Silence cut me this from the tail 
Of some bright comet as it sailed the sky. 
There is none other like it. This is why: 
No one but Silence goes where comets sail. 
Here, Crystal, you may have my veil. 


Silver! 

O Silver, I’m so mean! 


All: 

Nimble: 


Flicker: 

Why, sister dear, 

You must not give your veil away. I fear 
You’ll be unhappy. 

(But Crystal slowly takes the veil as Silver holds it out . 
Moonmother puts it on Crystal and ties it.) 


Silver: 

(Laughing happily.) I unhappy? No. 

It sets our hearts with happiness aglow 
To give the things we love. It is no task 
To give unvalued things— 


Bright: 

(Resolutely) But I shall ask 
Old Silence for another one for you, 
For now you’ve none. 


Silver: 

Oh yes; this one will do. 


- 14 - 


(She picks up Crystal's old veil and hands it to Moon- 
mother who ties it on her and smoothes it out.) 

We haven’t time to mend the torn place now, 

Moonmother dear. But then, I’ll not allow 
Such little things to keep me from my work.— 

Come, sisters, let’s be gone.—Good-bye, old Perk! 

(As Silver trips past Perk, she pinches his cheek play¬ 
fully. After the Moonbeams have gone, Moonmother 
goes about “picking up" after her children. She finds the 
bit of vine with which Silver sprinkled the thirsty field, 
and picks it up as though to keep it among her treasures. 
But Perk, filled with indignation, is raging about like a 
regular little storm.) 

Perk: 

This Silver-beam’s the only one that’s fit 
To shine on earth. The rest are not a bit 
Like her. They’d be lots better if they were! 

Mother: 

Pray don’t be harsh, now Perk, to little girls. 

(She sits a moment on a boulder.) 

Perk: 

Well, what of that! With their flounces and their curls! 

Why can’t they be like her? 

Mother: 

(Softly) I don’t know why. 

She’s different— 

(Moonmother is suddenly interrupted by the blowing of 
a trumpet outside.) 

Perk: 

My! What’s that? 


Mother: 

(Looking out) It is the Light-King’s Herald. 

(The Herald enters briskly from the right and stands 
just inside the doorway.) 

Herald: 

From our great and gracious Sovereign, 

The King of Light, 

To his loyal children on the Moon—his greetings. 

It is our Sovereign’s wish that these, 


— 15 


His subjects, come this night at midnight 
To the Palace of the Sun. 

There will he let be known the reason for 
This hasty summoning. 

He asks that every Moonbeam be at once 
Recalled from Earth, from work and play alike. 

Bring back the Moonbeams, then, from earthly lands 
And dress them forth to greet their sovereign King 
Whose smile is sunshine and whose palace glows 
In golden splendor. 

(^Moonmother bows her head slightly, and the Herald 
exit. Just as the Herald steps out one listening might hear 
a sound of thunder, ever so faint in the distance. Moon- 
mother does not notice this. She looks about.) 

Mother: 

Why Perk! It’s almost midnight now! 

The Moonbeams must be called. 

Perk: 

I don’t see how 

The King has waited ’till so late to tell 
His wishes. 

Mother: 

(Continuing) Look you call the Moonbeams well— 

For you must call them. Every bush and tree, 

Each pond and lake, each flowery bed you see, 

In every bower you must look and call. 

Be faithful, Perk, for we must have them all. 

Perk: 

Moonmother dear, as diligent I’ll be 

In searching as in frightening, you’ll see. (Exit.) 

(As Perk goes out, there is perhaps another bit of thunder 
this time slightly louder though still faint.) 

Mother: 

Why should the Light-King wish us to appear? 

I feel that some great happening is near,— 

And yet, I know him to be wise and good, 

And kind and loving, as a great king should. 

My children he would see in such quick season 
For some high purpose, for some holy reason. 

(More thunder. Moonmother notices it, apparently for 
the first time, and looks out again, frightened and worried. 
As she speaks, the storm increases, the thunder nearer and 
louder. The air grows gradually darker. There are oc - 


— 16 — 


casional flashes of lightning, with increasing frequency, and 
the wind begins to moan.) 

Why! The Storm-King, Rumble, is abroad! 

Both heaven and earth struck silent, fearful, awed. 

My children! Would that they had never gone 
To Earth this night! Oh, would that it were dawn!— 

Suppose Perk cannot find them! And suppose 
He sees the Storm-King coming on and grows 
So frightened that he leaves his earthly search 
And leaves unvisited some glade, some spectral birch!— 

But—I see them coming, sped by fear! 

For Rumble and his sons draw near.— 

And there is Perk;—But has he found them all?— 

I’d call them, but they could not hear me call.— 

Now draw they nearer.—They have paused— 

The air grows dark!—What mishap could have caused 
Their waiting there?—But now they start once more. 

They now draw near, more quickly than before— 

And now they reach, unharmed, my very door! 

(The Moonbeams enter running. Silver is missing. They 
all try to tell Moonmother at once. The air grows 
darker and the peals of thunder are louder and more fre¬ 
quent. The wind rises gradually.) 

Nimble: 

Moonmother dear, our sister is not here! 


What! 


Mother: 


Crystal : 

I begged her to come back, Moonmother dear— 


Bright: 

And so did I— 

Flicker: 

But she seemed not to hear— 

(The Moonbeams huddle about Moonmother, who sits 
on a boulder and draws them closer about her. The gloom 
grows deeper and deeper, as the storm settles down upon 
them.) 

Sparkle : 

We all just begged, and asked her what she saw; 

But not one good answer could we draw.— 

Mother: 

But where is Perk? 


— 17 — 


Bright : 


He would not let her go 

Back to the darkening Earth alone, and so— 

He went along, arguing, asking all the while 
Why she returned,—but she would only smile 
And say, “I must go back. They need me there.” 

But who or what she saw, we could not hear. 

(Suddenly, with a terrible crash of thunder and gust of 
wind the Storm-King and his three sons, Swift, Cloud, 
and Flame, rush in, and the place is dark except for the 
almost continuous flashes of lightning. As the Moonbeams 
huddle about Moonmother, Old Rumble stands looking 
at the little group, holding his sides and laughing boister¬ 
ously. His sons dart about here and there, Flame flashing 
the lightning on the frightened people. At last Rumble 
stops laughing to roar about. As he speaks he strides back 
and forth before the little group.) 

Rumble: 

What! No welcome? No greeting for Old Rumble? 

Ho! Ho! Ho!—The mighty hill-tops crumble 
When I strike them with my fist; and great trees bend 
When down the valleys I my storm-breath send.— 

The places of the Earth roar-r-r when I speak.— 

What! Still no welcome for me? Why so meek? 

Come,—dance for me.—So, Moonbeams, you will not? 

You all defy me, by the Light-King taught?— 

Then I defy the Light-King. I will go 
My earthward way, where I have seen below 
Your foolish sister, with that clownish Perk, 

Go speeding back to do some silly work.— 

I’ll capture her, and she shall go with me. 

With you again then she shall never be.— 

What of the Light-King then? What can he do?— 

Come, Swift, and Cloud, and Flame, for each of you 
Must do his part to catch this Moonbeam maid.— 

You capture her; I’ll keep her heart dismayed 
With dark and thundering. 

(As Old Rumble and his sons go raging out, the storm 
reaches its highest. The thunder clatters and rolls; the 
lightning flashes constantly, and the wind shrieks and 
whines like mad; and one can hear the rain driven down in 
torrents. Moonmother rushes over and looks out toward 
the Earth, while the Moonbeams crouch fearfully beside 
the boulder, covering their eyes or ears with their hands.) 


— 18 — 


Mother: 

Poor little Silver! No place is there to hide 
In woods or hills, or in the prairies wide, 
From the raging Storm-Kings wrath. 

Crystal : 

(Crying) Silver-beam! 


Mother: 

The lightnings on the broad lakes gleam. 

The three sons lash the night-filled air 

And search for little Silver everywhere. (In fear) 

Can they have taken her?—No! See,—she comes, 

Limp in the loving arms of Old Silence. 

(Enter Old Silence, slowly , bearing Silver in his arms, 
all wet and grimy and bedraggled , and apparently uncon¬ 
scious. Perk follows also drenched and storm-beaten , car¬ 
rying Old Silence's staff. Silence puts Silver down 
on one of the boulders , and Moonmother supports her 
while the rest crowd about. No one speaks , for no one 
can speak while Silence is present. 

As the old watchman bends over the little form anxiously 
Silver opens her eyes and looks about dazedly , then smiles 
faintly. Old Silence smiles contentedly at them all , takes 
his staff and goes slowly out , left. They all watch him , 
and as he disappears , the last murmur of thunder dies away 
in the distance and the place becomes filled again with the 
beautiful Moonlight. All turn toward Silver .) 

Mother: 

Speak to us, Silver. 

Silver: 

(Softly) I—I—love you all. 

^Nimble hugs her.) 

Nimble: 

But Silver dear, your frock is wet and torn!— 

How can she go with us, all forlorn? 

Mother: 

Alas, dear child, I do not know. This grime 

And wet is no king’s guest; and it is time 

We set out for the Palace of the Sun. 

Crystal : 

If she’d have listened, as she should have done— 


-19 — 


Perk: 

(Indignantly) What’s that you say? 

Crystal : 

I say, alas! alack! 

If she had only listened and come back 
With all of us instead of turning ’round— 

Perk: 

Why, she’d have been as dry, as sweetly gowned 
As all of you; but not been half so rich. 

For I went back with Silver, and I know 
Just where she went, and just what made her go. 
What I have seen tonight I would not trade 
For all your pretty frocks. She is repaid. 

It was the sweetest face— 


Mother: 

No story now, 

My Perk; it is too late. 

(''Silver rises, still weak, but smiling.) 

Silver: 

Yes; you must not allow 

My disobedience to delay you there 

Before the Light-King’s throne. The palace glare 

Must not see me, for I shall stay at home 

And keep the house, like any naughty gnome.— 

You’ll bring me all the news? And tell me all 

That happens to you there? 

Mother: 

Oh, not at all! 

The King has called for every one of you. 

We all must go. 


Silver: 

(Dismayed) Oh, Perk, what shall I do! 

Perk: 

Do? Why, go! And leave the rest to me. 

I’ll tell a strange new story, you shall see. (Turning) 
Well—are you ready, with your pretty frocks 
And nice dry stitches? Little glossy-locks! 

Mother: 

Now Perk, that is enough. Don’t be so rude.— 


— 20- 


Come, children. (Gently) Silver, you need not intrude 
Yourself into the brightest palace glare, 

But stand somewhat withdrawn, aloof somewhere. 

(Exeunt, left, the Moonbeams going first, Silver and 
Moonmother following; Perk last. After the others are 
out, Perk stops a moment to explain indignantly:) 

Perk: 

Aloof somewhere! Far better she should stand 
In front of all the rest. I’ll bet this hand 
I’ll tell them such a tale that they shall stare, 

And she shall stand right in the palace glare! 

(With this threat he goes stamping out, and after he has 
gone, Old Silence walks slowly in from the right and 
takes his place on the boulder as we saw him at first, lean¬ 
ing forward on his staff and gazing into the distance.) 

—CURTAIN— 


ACT II 

(The rising of the curtain reveals the throne-room of the 
Light-King's Palace on the Sun, rich golden brown with 
saffron hangings. At either side, downstage, a door. At 
the back, facing the audience, is the throne, pure white, 
reached by a series of broad steps, also white, extending 
around three sides of the throne. 

At either side of the throne, following the line of the wall 
and extending nearly to the entrance, a white bench. On 
the dais asleep, his head pillowed comfortably on his arm,, 
lies Winkle. Soon appears Twinkle, emerging gro¬ 
tesquely from behind the left seat, or entering the left door. 
After some elfin pantomime, Twinkle takes a fancy feather, 
which he wears on a string about his neck, apparently for 
this purpose, and tickles the foot of the sleeping Winkle. 
The latter kicks. Twinkle tickles the sleeper s hand, his 
ear, his knee, each time securing vehement response. He 
finally tickles his neck, whereupon Winkle awakes, sits up 
blinking. Twinkle falls back into the bench, right, laugh¬ 
ing heartily. 

Twinkle: 

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! 


Elf! 


Winkle: 



(Sobering quickly) 

Twinkle: 

You’re one yourself! 

But not a mean one 

Winkle: 

r 

(Sanctimoniously ) 

Twinkle: 

Who’s ever seen one? 

I have! 

Winkle: 

You! When? 

Twinkle: 

Just now. 

Winkle: 

And how? 

Twinkle: 

How? With these! 

Winkle: 

(Points knowingly to each eye.) 


Twinkle: 

(Very seriously) That’s very strange. 

One has to be awake 

To see things—and not dream them. 

Winkle: 

(Valiantly) I was awake! 

Twinkle: 

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! 

Winkle: 

My eyes were not shut tight. 

I saw you come— 

Twinkle: 

Where from ? 


Winkle: 

There! 

(He points to the door on the right. Twinkle controls 
with difficulty another burst of laughter.) 

You came sneaking— 

Like this.— 

(Comes down and mimics.) 


— 22 - 


Said I to myself, 

'Til let that elf 

Have his foolish joke this time.” 

And so I let you tickle me 
In the neck—like this. 

Then I jumped up 
And pretended to be mad. 

(In derision) Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! 

Twinkle: 

Just in the neck, you say. 

Winkle: 

(Wags his head wisely) You see; I know! 

Twinkle: 

You know 

A little more than nothing—yes. 

Ignorant sleepyhead, come hither. 

(He puts his arm around Winkle and draws him over to 
the seat at the right, where they sit.) 

While you have thus been guarding the throne 
With your keen-edged sword of slumber, 

A new strange man has come 
With some word for our King. 

It is not known exactly why he comes, 

But ’tis said— 

(Punches his failing listener) 

Listen, sleepyhead— 

Tis said that sometime, 

(With the air of releasing a great secret) 

Someone’s to be chosen 
And sent somewhere 
For something! 

Winkle: 

(Drowsily) Well, I declare! 

You say, sometime. —When? 

Twinkle: 

(Innocently) I don’t know. 

Winkle: 

(Continuing) Someone's to be chosen. —Who? 

Twinkle: 


We haven’t heard. 


- 23 - 


Winkle: 

And sent somewhere. —Where? 

Twinkle: 

Well, (lamely) 

Of course—we’ve not been told. 

Winkle: 

For something. —What for? 

Twinkle: 

(Rather vexed) I said 
That no one knew exactly! 

Winkle: 

(Stifles a yawn) Then—why stay awake? 

(He makes as though to lie down on the bench.) 

Twinkle: 

(Trying vainly to keep him up) 

To find out things, silly. 

No one learns anything asleep! 

And our King has sent his messenger— 

Winkle: 

(Ever so slightly interested) 

His messenger? Where to? 

Twinkle: 

(Caught up again. Hesitating) 

I— 

Winkle: 

—don’t know! (In disgust) Bah! 

When you find out a thing or two— 

(Yawns and stretches.) 

If, indeed, you ever do— 

Just—just tickle me again. (He sleeps.) 

(Princess Golden enters suddenly, left , seemingly excited . 
She carries a crown and a small piece of cloth. She sees the 
other two and listens.) 

Twinkle: 

(Jumping up) Never! Lazy thing! 

Til never wake you, 

Old heavy-eyes! Lump of sleep! 


— 24 — 


(Golden begins polishing the crown industriously and 
coughs slightly to draw attention.) 

Golden : 

A-hem! ) 

Twinkle: 

(Turning) Oh, it’s you, Princess Golden? 

Golden : 

(Almost breathlessly) 

Yes, it’s I. And, Twinkle, 

I’m so excited! 

Aren’t you and Winkle ? 

(In the speeches that follow , Golden polishes the crown 
intermittently as the talks, divided between that duty, and 
excited telling.) 


Twinkle: 

(Very gravely) Winkle is! I’m not. 

(A slight pause as Golden looks a moment at Winkle., 
who snores softly by way of greeting.) 

Golden : 

(Turning back to Twinkle,) 

The strange, calm visitor who came 
To us from some far distant court, 

Is with us still— 

(They come together and sit on the lowest step of the 
dais.) 

And still we know not who he is. 

But some have heard him speak, 

And all have seen him 
Walking in the Palace garden. 

Twinkle: 

I have seen him too. . m- 

Golden : 

We call him “Splendid,”— 

Not for what he wears, 

But for what he is. 

His soft, kind voice, his loving smile— 

Twinkle: 

(Nodding) I know. He smiled at me. 


— 25 — 


Golden : 

And, Twinkle, here’s more news: 

Some one of us, here in the Light-King’s court, 

Will be chosen this very night 
To be sent—guess where! 

Twinkle: 

(Eagerly) Oh—where? I couldn’t guess! 

Golden : 

To the Earth! 

Twinkle: 

(Jumping up) To the Earth? Tonight? 

(He goes as though to waken Winkle, but pauses . To 
himself:) 

No! I’ll not! 

Have your nap out, Snore-box! 

(Goes back to Princess Golden.) 

Tell me more, Princess Golden. 

Golden : 

There’s yet not much one really knows to tell, 

But what there is, that little I know well. 

There’s to be in the Earth’s greatest palace 
A wonderful ball, they say, 

Where the finest of ladies and lords will come, 

And the finest of music will play. 

Brilliant : 

(Outside , calling) Sister! Sister! 

Golden : 

Sister Brilliant’s calling. I should go. 

(Making as though to rise and go.) 

Brilliant: 

(Outside , nearer) Sister! Princess Golden! 

Twinkle: 

(Pleading) Don’t go. She’s coming near. 

Let her seek us. I want to hear. 

Brilliant : 

(Entering , right) Why, little sister, 

Where have you been this hour? 


— 26 — 


Golden : 

I have been busy hearing things. 


Brilliant : 

But I have searched the Palace o’er 
To tell you what I've heard. 

(She sits beside the others, who draw in closer — TwiNKLE 
especially.) 


Oh, do tell us! 


Golden : 


Brilliant: 

There is not much to tell! 

The court is all a-buzz. 

Oh! There will be splendor on the Earth this night. 
And one of us shall see it! 


Twinkle: 

(Eagerly) Who, do you think, Princess Brilliant? 

Brilliant: 

(Carried on by her enthusiasm) 

It is a prince’s birthday eve. 

His court will spring ablaze with light 

And in his hands he will receive 

Rich gifts from all the kingdoms of the world, 

Rare gold, and gems of every hue. 

Our King has sent his messenger 
To call the Moonbeams here. 

Golden : 

Has anyone learned more of this fair stranger 
Who visits us—? 


Brilliant : 

The Splendid Stranger? Nay; 

He tells his business only to our King. 

But everyone is certain that ’tis he 

Whose coming here has made this stir among us. 

Twinkle: 

But, Princess Brilliant, 

Why should the Moonbeams be thus called ? 
They are not of this court. 

Brilliant : 

Some reason of his own, I ween. 


— 27 — 


If one knew that, ’twere easy to know more. 

Perhaps it is that they may see 
The choosing of the one to take 
The mighty prince the gift our King will send. 

Twinkle: 

(To himself) A prince’s birthday! 

I wish that I might see it.— 

Will you be chosen, Princess Golden? 

Is that why you polished your crown? 

(The crown has been lying beside Golden, who here tries 
to conceal it, but is unsuccessful.) 

Brilliant : 

Why that crown is mine! 

Twinkle: 

Your crown! 

Golden : 

(Looking down) Yes, Sister Brilliant, 

I want you to be chosen by our King, 

You, who are so beautiful—and good. 

Brilliant : 

(Disappointed) But Sister Golden, 

’Tis you who must be chosen. 

I have shined your golden slippers 

And left my crystal beads for you to wear. 

Golden : 

(Rising quickly in surprise) I? Oh, sister, no! 

(Lightly) Why, when the prince beheld me standing there 
Outside his palace, he would stare 
And cry, “O-ho! 

What angry stepmother has sent 
Her ugly daughter here?” No, no, 

’Tis you must go. 

('Twinkle has risen quietly and gone over to Winkle, 
where he stands contemplating the sleeping elf.) 

Brilliant : 

(Triumphantly) But I have sent a word 
Unto the King, our father, 

Asking him that you may be preferred. 

So there! 


— 28 — 


Golden : 

(Crestfallen) That wasn’t fair! 

(Here Twinkle rouses himself, sighs deeply, takes Win¬ 
kle's absurd little cap, and sitting down beside the bench , 
commences brushing it zuith his coat-sleeve. 

There is a sudden rumble of thunder outside, and the air 
darkens slightly. Twelve little Stars come running in 
from several directions, crying out in excitement. They run 
and huddle about Golden and Brilliant at the base of 
the throne, as though seeking sanctuary, hiding their eyes 
and covering their ears. There is one tremendous crash of 
thunder, very deep dusk, and several bright flashes of light¬ 
ning. The wind rushes past and there is an instant of piti¬ 
less rain outside. 

This all passes in a moment, and as it recedes there is heard 
a peal of derisive laughter. Old Rumble's laughter. The 
golden light gradually returns. — Winkle is seen to be 
rising slowly, blinking, and rubbing his eyes.) 

Winkle: 

Did—did someone call me? 

Twinkle: 

(Gravely, still working with Twinkle's cap) 

Nay; you have but dreamed it. 

A Star: 

(Faintly) Have they gone? 

Brilliant : 

Yes, little one. 

Old Rumble and his three mean sons have passed. 

(The Stars look up one by one.) 

Another Star: 

(Timorously) I think I hear them yet! 

Golden : 

But you are safe with us, and though your flight 
Leaves all the skies in darkness for an hour, 

Pray in the golden welcome of this palace 
Where you have taken refuge, dance and sing 
In happiness together. 

A Star: 

(Clapping her hands for joy) Let us sing 
The praises of our Gracious King! 


— 29 — 


(Light music. The Stars sing “The Light-King ” just as 
they sit , by now scattered out more or less. Twinkle and 
Winkle, the latter now awake , sit listening. At the close, 
they with Golden and Brilliant, applaud lightly.) 

Brilliant : 

And now a dance ! 

Come! Just as you dance on a summer’s night, 

Sparkling, glistening, radiant, bright. 

(Again soft music. The Stars form and dance to it. Just 
as the dance is about finished , it is apparently interrupted 
by the sound of the Herald's trumpet outside , left.) 

Herald: 

(Outside) Make beautiful, 

Make beautiful the Palace of the Sun! 

Make ready now the throne-room of the King! 

(He enters briskly. Stands just inside the door.) 

Children of the skies, I bid you hear. 

The King of Light draws near. 

(He crosses the stage and exit. The Stars quietly form 
two lines extending fan-like from the throne steps. The 
King enters , dressed in royal splendor , with crown and 
scepter. His train is carried by a tiny little Star-boy. As 
the King enters , the Star-girls and the two princesses 
curtsy , and the Star-boys and the elves remove their hats 
and kneel on one knee. 

On the top step of the throne the King turns, smiles down 
on them , and speaks:) 

t 

King: 

My loyal stars, so golden in the skies, 

My little ones, your Sovereign bids you rise. 

(They do so. The King is seated , whereupon the Stars 
arrange themselves on the throne steps.) 

This is a blessed and a happy hour 
In Heaven and Earth alike. We have a part 
To play which must be quickly played. 

This word our unknown visitor has brought— 

Twinkle: 

(Excitedly to WinkleJ The Splendid Stranger! 

(General agitation.) 


— 30 — 


King: 


Thus he has been called, 

And by no fitter name could he be known. 

It is my purpose that this Stranger make 
His message known in his own words to all 
My realm. It is for this I call 
Us here about the throne in suddenness 
This night. 


Herald: 

(Enters from the right. Kneels on one knee before the throne) 
My Sovereign— 


King: 

Speak! 

Herald: 

The children of the Moon have come. 

King: 

Conduct them here. 

^Herald rises and exit right.) 

And when they have come in 

Straight may the telling of this wonder-tale begin. 

(The Herald re-enters, stepping just inside the door to 
speak. Then stepping aside to let the Moonpeople in.) 

Herald: 

The children from the Moon, my Sovereign King. 

f Moonmother, the Moonbeams, and Perk enter. All 
kneel before the throne except Moonmother, who stands , 
slightly at one side , head bowed. Perk is in the middle; 
Silver, bedraggled and miserable , next to him. All eyes 
seem to be on her. After a moment Moonmother raises 
her head and speaks.) 

Mother: 

Great King, the bright Moon-children loyal 
Have come. They kneel here in thy palace royal 
And to thine every wish allegiance swear. 

King: 

Arise, my children. (They do so.) 

I am proud to wear 

The name you give me, and so sweetly given. 

Pray have your seats. 


— 31 - 


(They sit at the sides , Bright, Crystal, Perk, and 
Silver at the left, Silver nearest the door. The others at 
the right , Moonmother nearest the door.) 

King : 

(Continuing) I have this night 

Called all my realm together that I might 

Acquaint you with a wondrous fact: 

That soon the distant Earth is to be blessed 
With such a gift as it has never had, 

Nor ever shall again. And I am glad 
My radiant family is to play a part 
In this great giving.—Ho! My Herald! 

(^Herald enters as before.) 

Escort in honor here our stranger-guest. 

(Exit HeraldJ 

For one must hear the message that he bears, 

In words from his own lips. Were I to try 
To tell you what his coming here will mean, 

You could not understand. But you shall know 
The beauty and the meaning of this hour 
When he has spoken. 

(There grows gradually a state of expectancy among those 
in the throne-room; wonder, not fear. After the King 
ceases speaking,, there is a pause of several seconds , during 
which Perk and Silver take hold of each other s hand, and 
Twinkle and Winkle move furtively up closer to Bril¬ 
liant and Golden, as though for reassurance. This pause 
should not be long, but it should be eloquent. Attention is 
on the right door. Suddenly the Herald steps quickly in¬ 
side the door, without any announcement , and stands aside 
as before , but with his head bowed in reverence. 

There is another instant. Then the Splendid Stranger 
steps inside. As he enters, the place seems to brighten, losing 
much of its golden quality, before a brilliance which seems 
to radiate from the Stranger. All regard him tensely for a 
moment; then one by one the heads are bowed. Little 
Silver, enraptured, has slipped silently from her seat to her 
knees, where she kneels with her hands clasped. The 
Stranger's gaze, open and benign, takes in the entire group, 
finally resting upon Silver, who bows her head last of all. 
The Stranger is finely beautiful, but with masculine beau¬ 
ty. He wears a\ dazzling white toga, and his long golden 
hair falls nearly to his shoulders. His voice is serene , rich, 
full, and musical.) 


— 32 — 


King: 

(Looking up) Speak to us, celestial messenger. 

These bended heads our reverence declare. 

Forgive these little ones for knowing not 
They saw in thee an Angel unaware. 

Stranger: 

I willed it that they should not know me thus 
Until this hour had come. 

(To the children, softly) 

Be not afraid, 

Let not your hearts be troubled. 

(They look slowly up, and continue looking at him as he 
speaks. They are attentive, eager , as though spellbound by 
his stern beauty and gentle kindness.) 

I bring you word from the realm of the Living God,. 

Whose way is Love, whose hand is over all. 

That word is this: For ages God hath seen 
His poor Earth-children groping for salvation, 

Searching for the way that leads to him. 

Now God would send them one to be their guide, 

To know men’s weaknesses, their joys and woes,, 

And win their souls by suffering and pain. 

And He hath chosen for this His only Son 
Who, all things being ready, must be born 
A mortal man, in lowliness this night.— 

(Richly) 

His name shall be called “Jesus,” 

Immanuel, the Prince of Peace. 

No splendor will there be, 

No signal fires agleam on land and sea, 

No lighted palaces of joy and mirth. 

(Turns to Light-KingJ 
But God has asked that all the darkened Earth 
Be filled with light before the break of morn 
To glorify the place the Babe is born. 

King: 

My daughter, Brilliant, this joy shall be thine. 

And from this holy hour thy name shall be 
No longer “Brilliant,” but “Morning-Star.” 

The time draws near when thy blest self 
Shall shine above the hills of Palestine. 

("Brilliant has risen and stands, radiant but trembling .) 


— 33 — 


Stranger : 

The sight of thee and the angelic choir 

The breasts of watching shepherds shall inspire; 

And seeing thee, low in the purple skies, 

Wise men will straightway come where Jesus lies. 

Brilliant: 

My father, sisters, and my brothers dear, 

I scarce can speak. My heart fills all my breast, 
And tears of gladness blind my happy eyes.— 

O sister Golden, how little did we know 
Of birthdays and of gifts!—My father, King, 

I am not worthy of the sacred hour 
In which I shall behold the dimpled smile 
Of the new-born Prince. The Princess Golden, 
Or any one of you, were just as fit as I— 


No, Sister, no! 


Several Stars: 
Golden : 


No; thou art the loveliest Star of us, 

The sweetest, deepest in humility. 

Thou art the brightest, hast the softest voice. 
Thou couldst most sweetly bid the Earth rejoice. 


King: 

’Tis so.—Take thou thy place here at my right. 

(Morning Star steps up and, seats herself on the top step 
close at the right hand of the King. —The King turns to 
Princess Golden,) 

And as for Princess Golden, from this night 
Thou shalt be Evening Star, to glow against 
The evening skies in memory of this hour. 

Thy place is here. 

(He indicates a like position at his left side. Evening Star, 
having risen, takes her place silently .— King turns to the 
Stranger) 

But there is more to hear. 


Stranger : 

There must be someone chosen yet who will 
Attend the Morning Star; will hover near 
The lowly birthplace on this sacred morn 
And there so catch the spirit of God’s love 
That it will live on Earth, as now above 
It lights the realm of God.—Nor is this all. 


— 34 — 


In time to come, when the first glad day has gone, 

The chosen one for this shall stay on Earth, 

To make it light, and fill it with a song. 

Where-e’er this spirit finds the heart of man 

Its duty is to fill it with the love 

That blessed the place where Christmas time began. 

But oft shall it know the sorrow and the pain, 

The keen rebuff of labor spent in vain, 

The suffering that the Prince born on this night 
Will well have known before His life is done. 

But still the task is blessed. More and more 
The pain shall be forgotten as the rebuffs die, 

The love be poured more free, ’till by-and-by 
The Christmas Spirit, born with Christ this night, 

Shall reign with Him in universal might, 

Its throne within the heart of every man. 

King: 

Moonmother, I have called thee here and thine 

To see if I from them might choose 

The proper one to send with Morning Star. 

(Moonmother rises as she is addressed. Moonbeams 
smoothe out their frocks,—all except Silver who draws to ¬ 
ward Perk. He caresses her. Again the Stranger rests 
his gaze on her.) 


Mother: 

(Softly) Thy will is ours, O gracious Sovereign. 

King: 

You, with the rest, have heard the message told, 

With them have heard this latter task imposed. 

How speak you for these children, one by one, 

To tell their fitness, and what they have done? 

Mother: 

Were it not better that each Moon-beam tell, 

Most gracious King, her own especial worth? 

Each knows her doing on the distant Earth 
Far better than do I. 

King: 

That thought is good. 

Call, then, each Moonbeam’s name, and as you summon 
Let each one speak to us, that we may judge. 


- 33 - 


Mother: 

Then I call Crystal first. 

(Each Moonbeam, as she is called , rises and takes a step 
or two toward the throne , curtsys , speaks , curtsys again , 
and retires.) 

Crystal : 

I always keep my dresses white and clean. 

I am the gentlest Moonbeam ever seen. 

I go to Earth to bless the calm night-air, 

And to it, through it, whisper everywhere. 

(As Crystal speaks of her dress , Silver, after a moment 
of agony , slips quietly out and conceals herself behind the 
hanging. No one seems to notice her going except Moon- 
mother. Perk, and the Stranger. 

Note: The Moonbeams' speeches are to be perfectly sin - 
cere , with nothing of vanity or affectation.) 


Mother: 

I next call Sparkle. 

Sparkle: 

Upon the ponds and lakes 
I play and shimmer when the soft wind breaks 
The surface of the water. Crystal knows me well. 
Together we oft weave the moonlight spell 
That binds with witchery the silent night.— 

I think that either one of us two might 
Be chosen for this task. 


That we shall see. 


I next call Bright. 


King: 


Mother: 


Bright: 

My mission is to shine 

Alike on fields and woods, on hill and dale. 

I kiss the grass, and draw a silver veil 
About the sleeping flowers. I laugh and play 
In all these places till the break of day. 

Mother: 

Then Nimble I call next. 


— 36 — 


Nimble: 


I go to Earth 

To cheer the Fairy Folk, to join their mirth. 

I am important in the Fairies’ play. 

They cannot dance until I light the way. 

Mother: 

And Flicker now may speak. 

Flicker: 

I haunt the ways 

Of men; the city streets when calm night lays 
The hand of silence on the noisy world. 

I haunt the places where the shades unfurled 
Float o\fer sorrow, joy, o’er wakefulness 
And sleep. I play on chamber floors and bless 
Full many a house, in poverty or wealth, 

Full many a soul, in sickness or in health. 

King: 

Ah, this one moves me deepest in my heart. 

’Tis not the fields and trees that are to need 
Most urgently this Christmas love; nor yet 
The Fairy Folk. It is the heart of man. 

Accordingly, the Moonbeam that most knows 
The haunts of men perchance will soonest find 
The true depth of man’s need.—Have I heard all? 

Mother: 

There yet is one, called Silver, who, I fear, 

Will scarcely have the courage to appear 
Before your Majesty. For by an act 
Not yet explained she soiled her pretty dress, 

Which we, because the midnight hour drew near, 

Could not repair. 

King: 

(Very kindly) Have Silver here. Where is she? 

(Moonmother speaks here with her whole soul aroused to 
the defense of SilverJ 

Mother: 

But I knew full well, O King, 

She had some reason, for in everything 
She is most kind, unselfish, and the first 
To rob herself for others. 


— 37 - 


Stranger : 

Love is greater than a crown. 

(He speaks this softly , but very plainly , looking all the 
while where Silver has concealed herself.) 

King : 

Now I thirst 

To see this Moonbeam, and to hear her speak. 

Let her be called. 

(ikfOONMOTHER goes across, draws aside the hanging of the 
door , and reveals Silver, her face buried in her hands. She 
tenderly lifts Silver up and leads her toward the throne.) 

% 

Mother: 

Come, Silver dear. 

(Silver tries to speak , but after a few faltering words she 
throws herself sobbing upon the lowermost step of the 
throne.) 

Silver: 

I—I am Silver, and unworthy, Lord. 

And I—I—cannot speak! 


King: 

Poor child! Can no one say 
For her? 

Crystal : 

(Eagerly) I can. As we set out this night, 
My sister, Nimble, tore my veil of light. 

And I was angry and began to whine; 

But Silver gave me hers, and put on mine.— 
Forgive me, little sister. 


Mother: 

What Crystal says is so; and this is too: 

This evening while the Moonbeams made the dew, 
My little Silver saw a thirsty field 
That from the rest in some way was concealed. 
Then, pity-filled, on that parched field she threw 
Her love, and saved it, gave it life anew. 

King: 

That sounds full well. 

(He is thrilled and pleased.) 


— 38 — 


Stranger : 

Love is greater than a prince’s crown. 

(Perk has been growing very restless. Finally plucks up 
courage , bounds out before the throne, where he falls on 
one knee and throws out his arms to the King in supplica¬ 
tion. His account begins very nervously , but gains control 
before it has pro ceded far.) 

Perk: 

Thy pardon here, O King! 

King: 

Rise then and speak. 

Perk: 

(Rising) Perk thus makes bold, My King. 

But of this Moonbeam I must tell you more, 

For I was with her when she did the deed 
Which causes now her shame. There is no need 
For weeping, and I now shall tell you why. 

I went to Earth to call the Moonbeams back, 

And found them al) When started toward the Moon, 

We saw the distant storm-clouds, and heard Rumble 
Calling to his sons with growl and grumble. 

We hurried on as all the Stars went in. 

But suddenly I saw this Silver pause, 

And stopped beside her, asking her the cause, 

As did her sisters all. She only gazed 

Back toward the darkened Earth, half stunned, amazed, 

And said, “On, sisters, on! But I must go 
A moment back. They need me there below.” 

“Silver,” I cried, “you must not do this thing! 

(The rest went on) The wind in on the wing; 

The Storm-King is about; his three sons lurk 
To catch you!” But she said, “I must go, Perk.” 

(Perk grows in dramatic intensity.) 

So went I with her, flying by her side, 

And found that she returned to be the guide 
Of two poor people traveling in the night. 

A smiling, sweet-faced woman, by Silver’s light 
I saw. She on an ambling donkey rode. 

Beside her strode 

A fair, long-bearded man who, time to time, 

Spoke cheeringly to keep her unafraid, 


— 39 - 


Calling her “Mary.” “Joseph” she called him. 

He often gazed upon her face sublime, 

And wondered at the light that shone around. 

3 . 

We found at last a village in the hills. 

We stood before the tavern door with them. 

We heard the keeper say there was no room. 

We heard Old Rumble roaring in the gloom. 

By Silver’s light found they a stable then, 

And made their resting there. 

And now again 

This Silverbeam and I turned home. ’Twas dark. 

The Storm-King roared, and like an ugly spark, 

His son, called Flame, the pitchy darkness cleaved. 

He made us visible; and Swift, his brother, came 
And knocked us down. Delighted with the game, 

The other son, called Cloud, drenched us with rain. 

But all our efforts had been made in vain 
Had not Old Silence, out of his great love 
For Silver, come and carried her above. 

Thus we reached home; and thus it is, I say, 

That she, my little playmate, hides away. 

Those poor, soiled garments cover there a heart 
That is of God’s own realm a noble part. 

(He bows jerkily and retires. There is an instant's pause. 
The Stranger's face is aglow.) 

King: 

This is best of all! We do in no wise know 
Who these poor travelers were. But this is so: 

They were in need, and in peril were they led.— 

And woulds’t thou not, O Splendid Stranger, place 
Thy choice upon this little Moonbeam here? 

Stranger : 

(His eyes raised; speaks as though entranced.) 

He called her “Mary”; “Joseph”, she called him.— 

(Turning) It must be so, for God hath chosen for us. 

This Moonbeam, speeding bravely back to guide 
Those lonely travelers through the storm and night, 

Hath shone already in that hallowed place 
And made this night, in our Prince’s blessed name, 

Her first rich offering of devotion. 

(Triumphantly) Love is greater than a prince’s crown, 

Love is greater than a crown. 


— 40 — 



King: 

(To Morning Star) My daughter, she is chosen. 

(Morning Star rises and steps down to where Silver lies, 
and lifts her up by the hand.) 

Morning Star: 

I raise thee up, my sister. Thou of all 
Most fitted art to hear God’s holy call.— 

’Tis my desire, My King, as it is God’s and thine, 

That Silver be this messenger divine 

To carry to the ages yet unborn 

The eternal meaning of the Christmas morn. 

(With the last four lines Morning St^ar turns to the 
King, raising her arms so that Silver is hidden from the 
audience. When Morning Star ceases speaking she lowers 
her arms and stands aside revealing Silver dressed in 
radiant costume , re-created. Morning Star and Silver 
kneel. The rest rise.) 

King: 

I am glad, 

So glad that words are powerless.—Morning Star, 

My eldest daughter, now art thou 
For this glad day, the Star of Bethlehem. 

Thou leavest us but briefly; returnest soon 
To light the morning skies, a loved reminder 
Of the birthday thou shalt soon proclaim.— 

Sweet Silverbeam, regenerated now 
By thy pure heart, I do rename thee too: 

Thou art the Christmas Spirit. Thou shalt go 
To spread the love of service and the joy 
Of giving on the Earth. 

Stranger : 

And thou shalt live forever, 

Suffering, enduring all things and failing not, 

Seeking not thine own, and vaunting not, 

Nor envying, but being always kind; 

Forever incarnate joy and happiness. 

King: 

I bless you to these missions. 

And now, my own, be gone. The Holy Day 
Will soon be breaking. Be upon your way. 

(They rise and turn to go.) 


— 41 — 


Bethlehem Star: 

Briefly then, farewell, my sisters and my brothers. 

Christmas Spirit: 

I still am speechless; but this time, for joy. 

Though still I feel unworthy, I am chosen. 

(She goes to Moonmother and kisses her.) 

Farewell, Moonmother.—Sisters all, farewell. 

And Perk— 

(Just a tinge of sadness.) 

Perk : 

(Softly) Perk will miss you, Silver, more than any. 

Christmas Spirit: 

(Smiling) You I shall remember always, Perk. 

Be kind to them. (Indicating the other Moonbeams.) 

(Perk nods, unable to trust his voice perhaps. Christmas 
Spirit and Bethlehem Star walk toward the right exit. 
Before it they turn and the Christmas Spirit speaks — per¬ 
haps to us all.) 

Would ye be sad? Not so. To you I bring 
The blessing of this long-awaited hour. 

This is the birthday of the Prince. I take 
No glittering gift to Him, but even now 
Become His everlasting gift to you.— 

Take me, give me lodging in your hearts: 

Loving kindness will shine round about you, 

The peace that passeth understanding dwell within you, 

And lo, I shall be with you always. 

(The two turn toward the exit, pause ever so slightly, then 
go out, Morning Star slightly ahead leading the Christ¬ 
mas Spirit by the hand. 

There is a moment's pause; then the sound of voices (wom¬ 
ens) singing, as though in the great distance, the song float¬ 
ing across the stretches of space and down all the ages:) 

Hallelu>ah! Hallelujah! 

Peace on Earth, 

Good will toward men. 

Peace on Earth, 

Good will toward men. 

(All in the throne-room bow their heads in awe and rever¬ 
ence, except the Splendid Stranger, who stands as though 
glorified, his eyes raised on high. The curtain closes slowly 
on the last strains of the song.) 


— 42 — 

































